Helophilus fasciatus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Eristalinae
Tribe: Eristalini
Subtribe: Helophilina
Genus: Helophilus
Species: fasciatus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Helophilus fasciatus: /hɛˈloʊfɪləs fæˈsaɪətəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Helophilus fasciatus 1 by Gordon Johnston. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Helophilus similis by Williston S.W.. Used under a Public domain license.

Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Helophilus fasciatus) - Mississauga, Ontario 2019-04-22 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Helophilus fasciatus P1350115a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Helophilus fasciatus P1350093a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Helophilus fasciatus P1350182a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Helophilus fasciatus, known as the narrow-headed marsh fly, is a prevalent syrphid species in North America, notable for its hovering flight and role as a pollinator. Found in wet habitats, its larvae are associated with decaying organic matter, while adults exhibit a distinctive appearance that aids in identification.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 10-15 mm in length, with a distinct coloration pattern involving opaque black abdomen with large yellow spots. Males have a yellowish pollinose face, while females have all black pilose front. The wings have a cinereous coloration with hyaline areas and a luteous stigma.

Identification Tips

To differentiate between sexes, males are dichoptic with a yellow pollinose face, while females have a darker face. Examining the abdominal band patterns can also help; males usually have broader and more well-defined spots than females.

Habitat

Syrphid flies are often found near ponds or wet areas, as their larvae develop in moist, decaying organic material.

Distribution

Found transcontinentally from southern Canada to Mexico.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, while larvae feed on decaying organic material in aquatic environments.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in clutches on vegetation overhanging ponds; larvae fall into the water after hatching and develop there.

Reproduction

Males engage in mating behaviors near flowers, while females lay eggs over water bodies to ensure larvae can drop into the water post-hatching.

Ecosystem Role

As pollinators, adult Helophilus fasciatus contribute to the pollination of flowering plants, while larvae help in the decomposition process by feeding on decaying matter.